by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

by Adi Joseph, USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers, their fans, their community, are in mourning, and the leader stepped up to address the crowd.

Bryant delivered a minute-long speech Wednesday about Jerry Buss, the longtime Lakers owner who died Monday. He delivered the speech before the Lakers played the Boston Celtics, a perfect moment in a rivalry Buss helped build.

"On Monday we lost what we all know to be the greatest owner in sports, ever," Bryant said. "He was a brilliant, incredible owner, but he was even a better person with a great heart. His vision transcended the game, and we are all spoiled by his vision and by his drive to win year after year after year.

"And through our years being here at Staples Center, the one thing we could always count on was the great Jerry Buss overlooking his franchise from his box. I'd like to ask all of you to please join us in a moment of silence to honor the great Dr. Jerry Buss."

As the Lakers move on, the focus will shift to Buss' children, Jeanie and Jim, who now officially take the helm of the great franchise. As they move on, the focus will return to Dwight Howard and Bryant and this Lakers team's chemistry issues.

But Buss left his imprint on everyone he touched, and Bryant brought that home in leading a beautiful nationally televised moment of silence and reflection.